Happy Self-Love Sunday my loves!

It is the month of November, which is one of my favorite months. This is because Thanksgving is right around the corner along and kicks off the holiday season and all its associated joy and love. And as Thanksgiving approaches this week, I hope that you all enjoy your Thanksgiving. Eat good, have lots of laughs, and catch those black Friday sales if that is what you choose to do.

I think it is so important for us to reflect on what/who we are thankful for. We should do this whenever we can, not just when Thanksgiving rolls around. However, Thanksgiving allows us to hone in and express our thankfulness. And I truly have a lot to be thankful for. I have so many people who love me and care about me and vice versa whether they are my family, friends, mentors, etc. I have so many people in my corner and I literally have no idea what I would do without any of them.

Today, I was blessed and THANKFUL to have the opportunity to go to church with my best friend since the sixth grade and my aunt. And church truly blessed me and put some things into perspective for me. I’m thankful for that message because it was well needed and as you continue to read, you will see why. The message was entitled, “Power to Change” and if anyone wants me to share or discuss the topic further, please feel free to reach out to me because I took a lot of notes!

“You can’t grow in isolation, you grow in community.” – Bishop Dale Bronner
I feel the idea of community goes hand in hand with the whole theme of being thankful. In a previous blog, I discussed how no man is an island. Even if we try to be, sometimes we have to rely on others. Someone else may be able to help you grow, get some things off your chest, or even conqueror a problem you had no idea how to handle. See, I am the type of person who tries to deal and endure on my own. But just as I said I am thankful for those people who care about me, I have to allow them to share their love. And I can do that by opening up or simply letting them be there for me in times of need, stress, or distress. I am an introvert with extrovert tendencies, but there is no greater feeling than knowing if something were to go down, I have a whole army behind me ready to aid me in handling any situation.

There is growth in community, because you are taught how to deal with others. You learn how to deal with various personalities, problem management, and you learn how to let others love you. It’s okay to not always have your puzzle pieces together. And it’s even more okay to let someone (not just any & everybody though) aid you in putting the pieces together. No one makes it on their own. Celebrities or people of high-profile have a team of people who help them whenever they go perform, speak, host, the works. Each person is vital to their event. And I know that the forerunner of these teams are grateful for all those people who put in work for them. So, why can’t we be thankful for our community? Whether it’s your family, friends, significant other, whatever. Each person plays an important role in your life and I know you’re thankful for all that they do for you, no matter how big or small.

On this Self-Love Sunday and throughout your week (and so forth), I challenge you to reflect on who and what you’re thankful for. Maybe shoot them a little message, get them a small token of appreciation, or the next time you pray call out what/who you are thankful for. And remember, that without the people in your life, you wouldn’t be able to grow and glow the way that you have thus far. It is such a joy to be able to be thankful, so express your thankfulness whenever you can! You may make someone’s day.

 

There’s a famous H.E.R. song that says, “Lately, I’ve been going through some changes, been running out of maybes.”
Have you been going through changes in your life? Changes that may have you questioning the very fundamentals of what you thought you knew? Changes that weren’t necessarily warranted. Or maybe they were? Well, if you can relate to any kind of change (which I think we all can), then this blog is for you.

When I was thinking of what topic to write about this Sunday, this H.E.R. song was prevalent in my mind. I feel this verse, if nothing else, represents the current season of my life. It’s been a season of changes. And when I tell you some of these changes have really been trying me. Some moments I feel overwhelmed by all the change, and alone and honestly, I just want to give up. I wish I could say change is easy, but I haven’t always been a fan of change. And one of the things I’ve learned over the years is that sometimes you have to be uncomfortable to elevate. And I’m in such an uncomfortable state with some of this change.

See, I’ve also had to realize that it’s okay to be uncomfortable. Because when you’re always comfortable, how can you continually push yourself & chase your full potential? You’ll see no need because you’ll be okay with accepting things as they are. And I’ve often found myself experiencing these feelings with discomfort. And I feel God makes me experience change so that I will be so uncomfortable that I’ll be moved to do more, to do better, and stop being complacent with the okay way things have been going when I can make a conscious effort to have and experience more. This was not a lesson I learned easily. It came with years of experience and lots of tears. Change can be uncomfortable, especially since I like to be in control of things. But it’s okay to not always be in control and even more okay to be uncomfortable. Because for me, discomfort gives me that push I need.

Change is inevitable. Sometimes it’s wanted and sometimes it’s not. But we can’t always control when changes occur. Or what changes for that matter. And sometimes, it’s hard to see the bigger picture. To see that everything happens for a reason, even if it’s unfavorable for the time being. But I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and that is why change has to occur. No one can elevate without some kind of change, otherwise, we would all be the same. Stuck in the same position. Like they say, how can you complain about your plate being full when the goal was to eat? You can’t handle all that without a little change. Even if it’s a simple change such as: your daily routine, study habits, sticking to a schedule, whatever works for you. A change doesn’t have to be humongous for it to be impactful.

We must remember that this too shall pass. And when these unfavorable changes disappear, they will disappear because of more change. I haven’t always been a fan of change. But I understand that it’s necessary. And sometimes what’s necessary will not always be what we want, but these steps will aid us in reaching our goals and dreams.

Today, I challenge you to embrace the changes that are taking place in your life or that will come. Everything doesn’t have to be pretty or picture perfect to benefit you. Change can look nice or not so nice, but just know the fruits of your changes will bring forth some extraorindary movements in your life. I am currently going through the phases of change and am in the process of learning how to embrace what has been coming my way. It may not be what I expected, but I will adapt, overcome, and conqeuror. And I challenge you to do the same!